Italy is often considered one of the most romantic places to host a destination wedding. Every one of its 20 regions boasts beautiful castles, palaces, abbeys and fortresses in the verdant countryside. While more rural sites certainly have their appeal, there are plenty of city venues, especially within Rome, that are worthy of a look. With its millennia of visible history, gorgeous architecture, cascading domes and warm glow (rain or shine), the Eternal City is perfect for that eternal vow. Since Rome affords a venue listing as replete as Da Vinci’s codex, we consulted with wedding planner Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations for the city’s three most beautiful wedding locations.
Atop Janiculum Hill is the beautiful Villa Aurelia, a mid-17th-century villa whose expansive grounds were once home to the Farnese, a famille noblesse. Now part of the American Academy of Rome, Villa Aurelia hosts cultural events, concerts and lectures, as it is considered one of Rome’s most exclusive properties. The amazing location is complemented by manicured gardens (picture a life-size chess board) and terraces, while the villa itself has been recently renovated to its Baroque resplendence. Dancing under the stars or in the villa’s gilded halls is beyond romantic.
On Rome’s highest hill, Monte Mario, sits the mesmerizing mansion known as Villa Miani. Exchange vows overlooking a dramatic view of the Italian city, where the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica feels as if it’s just over your shoulder. The villa, which dates back to 1873, is a series of seemingly never-ending terraces, gardens, lounges and receiving rooms, an utterly elegant labyrinth of luxury. Not to mention, the property’s outdoor landscaped set of stairs leading down to a pond serves as an idyllic backdrop for a ceremony. Add on a fireworks show to top it all off, and you’ve secured the ultimate memorable moment for your big day.
Fountains, frescoes, flowers, ancient towers, walls and a moat — the medieval Castello di Torcrescenza is the backdrop for a fairytale wedding. The cozy castle resides in a tree-filled park, just 15 minutes north of Rome’s historic center. It’s an ideal location for an intimate wedding, and the site even served as a source of inspiration for famous French painters, including Claude Lorrain, Nicolas Poussin and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. The castle boasts both summer and winter gardens, making this a smart spot for a wedding year-round.
Photos Courtesy of Castello Torcrescenza and Villa Aurelia
